Dear Friends and Family,

I’m reaching out with a heart full of love and hope to share about my sweet nephew, Eliahs—though most of you know him as Eli. He truly is a gem. Anyone who’s met him knows how kind, loving, caring, and full of life he is. He’s athletic, competitive, and has a heart big enough to touch everyone around him.

Eli is the youngest in our family, and since birth we’ve known he had a heart murmur. Over time, doctors determined it was actually something more serious—Congenital Subaortic Stenosis. Last year, his doctor noticed his numbers weren’t where they should be, and we were told that open-heart surgery can no longer wait. Without it, his heart could be damaged, leading to much more serious problems.

Eli’s surgery is scheduled to take place at Columbia Presbyterian. The doctors will remove the obstruction to protect his heart. He’ll likely be in the hospital for about a week (God willing), and then home to recover with the love and care of his family.

For those who know Eli, you know how much he loves sports. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to play for a while during recovery—but I know he’ll be on the sidelines cheering for his friends. If you have game schedules, please send them so he can still feel part of the team he loves so much.

This is not an easy message to write. Many of you know my sister—Eli’s mom—is always the first to help others. Whether volunteering as a class mom, supporting the high school football team, helping with T-ball, or just being there for her boys’ sports, she’s always been giving. Now, her family is facing a challenge they never expected.

The surgery, as you can imagine, will bring a significant financial burden since insurance will only cover part of the cost. If you are able, any donation—no matter the amount—would mean the world to us. And if you cannot contribute financially, we completely understand—your prayers, love, and sharing Eli’s story are just as meaningful.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, for caring, and for supporting Eli. Our family is deeply grateful for your love and kindness during this time.

With love and gratitude,

Eli’s Family